Whether you are looking for a gantry crane, jib crane, overhead crane, or workstation crane, O’Brien Lifting Solutions should be your first stop for lifting solutions. We offer a wide selection of cranes perfect for almost any commercial or industrial application, and 24/7 crane services if you need crane maintenance or repair. If you’re not sure what type of crane would be best for your facility, try our blog: Types of Cranes – Pros and Cons. If you know you need a gantry crane and want to know the differences between a single and double-girder crane, read on!
Which is Better, a Single-Girder or Double-Girder?
That’s a short answer – neither…and both. There really is not an overall “right choice” when it comes to gantry cranes. Each crane has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your facility layout, lifting needs, and budget. When choosing a crane for your facility, you’ll want to dig deep with a crane design expert to choose the right crane for your needs.
Double Girder Gantry Crane Advantages
A double-girder gantry crane typically boasts:
- Heavier load capacity – double-girder designs are typically able to lift heavier loads than single-girder cranes.
- Higher lift heights – double-girder gantry cranes typically lift materials at significantly higher heights.
- Greater load movement precision – the double-girder design offers increased stability and precision for controlled load movement and precise load positioning.
- Outstanding durability – double girder cranes can be designed to work in the harshest conditions, and withstand a lot of pressure, meaning they can last a long time when properly operated and maintained.
Single-Girder Gantry Crane Advantages
The advantages of single-girder gantry cranes are in many ways the reverse of the double-girder cranes. While double-girder cranes are tough workhorses built for the heaviest loads and gruelling conditions, their single-girder cousins are more compact, even more flexible, and cost-effective.
- Suitable for smaller spaces – a single-girder gantry crane has a more compact design, typically able to fit into smaller spaces with less overhead space.
- Affordable – these cranes typically cost less than their double-girder counterparts, making them a little easier on the budget if you don’t need the heavier lifting capacities.
- Easy to install – the bulk of a double-girder gantry crane can mean they take a little longer to get up and running. Single-girder cranes are typically faster to install, reducing downtime and getting up to speed quicker.
- Easier maintenance – while double-girder cranes may be bulkier and more durable, single-girder cranes may boast lower maintenance costs, making them even more budget-friendly.
O’Brien Gantry Crane Selection
Gantry cranes are the ideal lifting solution in applications where mobility is the top concern, and there’s no requirement for supporting steelwork, beam structures, runway columns or heavy concrete foundations. O’Brien offers three gantry crane configurations:
O’Brien Full Gantry Cranes
Available in single or double-girder designs, O’Brien full gantry cranes work hard indoors and out, and can be built to lift loads up to 50,000 lbs.
O’Brien Semi Gantry Cranes
Available in single-girder designs, our semi-gantry cranes are perfect to lift mid-sized loads up to 20,000 lbs, fitting into smaller spaces, optimizing your workspace.
O’Brien Portable Gantry Cranes
The “baby bear” to our full and semi-gantry solutions, our single-girder portable gantry cranes are lightweight, affordable, and super simple to install, meaning they’re also easy to relocate when needed. Able lift loads up to 10,000 lbs.
Trust O’Brien for Unbeatable Crane Selection and Crane Services
For over 60 years, O’Brien Lifting Solutions has provided top-quality solutions and exceptional customer service to companies in the Greater Toronto Area, Golden Horseshoe, and beyond. Our crane design and sales team understand how to get all your moving parts working together with ease. Our expert crane technicians know how to keep your cranes running up to Ontario Health and Safety Standards, keeping you compliant with the latest regulations. When you need crane installation, upgrades, or service, call O’Brien at 1-866-670-1224 or contact us online with any questions.Follow O’Brien on LinkedIn or Facebook.